UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky

Applications are open for the next XLerator Network 10-week 1:1 SBIR/STTR Coaching Program starting June 24, 2024. Selected applicants will receive coaching and support from our experts regarding strategies and techniques for submitting a successful SBIR/STTR application. Participants are expected to submit an SBIR/STTR grant application at the end of the program. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gA2gM8xF

Happy Social Innovation Wednesday! Today, we’re highlighting the second of our three focus areas: Community Engagement. We're all about connecting—bridging the gap between faculty and the wider community. Through collaboration, we're able to elevate research and create real-world impact. Why is this important? Involving community members at every step, from identifying problems to finding solutions, allows us to tap into diverse perspectives and foster meaningful collaboration. Stay tuned over the coming weeks as we showcase some of our inspiring community engagement projects. Learn more here: http://bit.ly/48NlSpi Serenity Wright Meg Brennan

Congratulations to the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture on being awarded Patent # 11,807,859 for "Alteration of tobacco alkaloid content through modification of specific cytochrome P450 genes." https://bit.ly/3UEJ17F

JOB POSTING! Are you an experienced professional looking for a new challenge? Join our team as a Commercialization/Project Manager! In this unique position, you'll split your time 50/50 between two dynamic roles. Collaborate with the OTC team to conduct research in drug discovery and development, while also accelerating the translation of university discoveries into real-world solutions as the NIH REACH Project Manager for the MidSouth REACH Hub. Learn more and apply by June 5: https://lnkd.in/ebPyNJVp

The U.S. Small Business Administration America's Seed Fund Road Tour is coming to Kentucky! Join us and the Kentucky Science & Engineering Foundation on Thursday, May 16 in Lexington to learn about non-dilutive, technology funding opportunities provided through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs known as America's Seed Fund. This is your chance to meet one-on-one with federal agency representatives as well as local and national SBIR/STTR experts. • • • • • #sharethelex #kentucky #kyforky #smallbusiness #startup #tech #lexky #smallbusiness #launchblue #technology #launchblue #startups #midwest #miswesttech #midwestfounders #south #entrepreneur #innovation #founders register: https://ow.ly/1hy150Rz7IM

It's Social Innovation Wednesday! Meet Dr. Suzie Pilon, who is revolutionizing nursing education with her innovative board game! Dr. Pilon, a senior lecturer in the College of Nursing, has been making waves with her educational board game that transforms how students review key concepts, making learning interactive and enjoyable. With the support of the Social Innovation team, along with Erin Shea, Laura Russell-Halligan and Holly Symonds Clark, Dr. Pilon immersed herself in business development through the Launch Blue UAccel/I-Corps program. By embracing customer discovery to identify the needs for her innovation's success, she went on to win the Customer Discovery Rockstar award! Curious about how Customer Discovery can transform your social innovation journey? Reach out today! https://lnkd.in/dS8FQEr7 Serenity Wright Meg Brennan

Missed the 2024 UK Women Innovators Network (UKWIN) Event? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Watch the full event on our YouTube channel, featuring keynote speaker Almesha L. Campbell, AVP for Research and Economic Development at Jackson State University, and a panel discussion where inspiring female innovators shared their unique paths, highlighting the diverse avenues innovations can take: https://bit.ly/3UiWMJ8 Stay tuned for the announcement of the 2025 UKWIN event date!

Happy Social Innovation Wednesday! Today, we're spotlighting a remarkable social innovator, Dr. Yuha Jung, who recently won the "Spirit of I-Corps" award during Launch Blue's Spring UAccel/I-Corp program. This award reflects the deep analytical, creative and intentional efforts that Dr. Jung demonstrated throughout the program. Her commitment to a scientific approach to business development, coupled with her openness to engage with coaches (Erin Shea, Laura Russell-Halligan, Serenity Wright and Meg Brennan) and peers, truly exemplifies excellence in the I-Corps. Congratulations to Dr. Yuha Jung on this well-deserved achievement! We are proud of social innovators like you! #SIWednesday

This month's newsletter featured EDC innovation subcommittee chair, Ian D. McClure Ian is the Associate Vice President for Research (AVPR), Innovation and Economic Impact for UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky, where he leads efforts to translate UK discoveries for the public good, seek equitable returns on UK intellectual property (IP), enhance UK’s investments in innovation, catalyze a culture and capacity for entrepreneurship, and expand industry and other collaborative research partnerships. Ian’s portfolio includes oversight of the UK Office of Technology Commercialization (UK OTC), UK Innovation Connect for industry partnerships, UK Innovation Economic Development and UK’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training. As UK OTC’s previous executive director, he oversaw a team of 25+ staff managing the university’s IP, licensing and startup portfolios. Under his oversight, UK OTC increased its commercialization metrics by up to 400%. Read more about Ian along with the rest of the April EDC newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/eU8Zu2CM

The April edition of the Innovation Insider is now live! This month's highlights include NACIE's "Competitiveness Through Entrepreneurship" report, a recap of the 2024 Kentucky Innovator Challenge, details on the upcoming GAME Change Workshop and Summit and much more. Read it here: https://conta.cc/3UnoRyW